Disclaimer: You know the drill. All things that do not belong to me belong to JK Rowling (aka: almost everything). Just so you know, I think this is the second-to-last chapter (there may be another chapter or so and maybe an epilogue). Please REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!
Albus immediately relaxed in the familiar surroundings. The flat was the same, just as neat, just as warm. The frilly, girly throw pillows were still in the same place and everything smelled of spices. He didn't get a chance to reminisce long however as Madhavi was on him the next second. Caught off guard, he fell onto the couch almost gasping at her passion. She was on top of him and her shirt was off in a matter of seconds. He rested his hand on the small of her back, shivering at the feel of her warm skin. She leaned forward and began kissing him more passionately and with more vigor than she ever had before. It took Albus' breath away; it felt like their first time and it was great.
An hour later, Madhavi was in the kitchen, ladling out his favorite curry. He had his feet up on the coffee table, naked except for a strategically placed throw pillow (the "manliest" one of course). She walked in a moment later with a tray, as fully clad as Albus. "Here, let me help," he hastened, attempting to stand.
"No, you're hurt! Let me nurse you a bit." Relishing in her presence, he consented, resting back against the cushions. She handed him a bowl and they both tucked in eagerly, shooting bashful glances at each other every so often.
"It's even better than I remembered," Albus murmured, taking a large bite and grinning at her.
"What is?" she asked coquettishly, draping her long leg over his lap.
"The curry," he replied with a wink, leaning in and kissing her again. Her company was so much more exhilarating than the company of his family. He felt alive again, independent and grown up. While our families love us unconditionally, they tend to see us as what we were, never for a minute noticing who we have become. This had been a resounding truth for Albus who had seen a great change in himself over his year abroad, but after being forced back to England, everything had gone back to the way it had been when he had been in school. His parents were the same over-protective gits they had always been; James was still the irritatingly cocky "man's man". The only difference was that Albus no longer fit comfortably into his role as complacent "good boy" and the balance that had existed in the Potter home had been knocked off kilter.
"What are you thinking about?" Madhavi asked, nuzzling against his chest.
"You," Albus answered simply. "It's always you," he replied, running his fingers through her hair. Content just to be in her presence, Albus fell silent and, in only a few minutes, he fell asleep. The stress and torment of the past few weeks caught up with him and the couch was so soft and familiar, Madhavi felt so good against him . . .
Meanwhile, things weren't going so well for Harry Potter. He had gotten to the office, only to be run down by Gawain Robards. The old auror's face was tight and the look of relief that flooded his features upon seeing Harry hinted at the fact that he had been trying to reach him for some time. "Harry!"
"What is it?" Harry asked quickly; this did not bode well.
"It's this," he thrust a piece of parchment into Harry's hands. Harry looked down and tried hard to discern Robards' chicken scratch.
"Wait, I'm confused," Harry began, screwing up his eyes. "What does Rodolphus Lestrange have to do with anything? He's still in Azkaban." With a huff of irritation, Robards yanked the parchment from Harry's hands.
"Not Rodolphus Lestrange. I'm talking about his brother-"
"Rabastan," Harry interjected. "He was released last year."
"Yes, on a whim I started researching all of the Death Easters who had been released from Azkaban in the last two years. Funny thing about Rabastan," the two began walking briskly toward Harry's office. "Right before the second war ended, Rabastan spent some time in India, Mumbai to be exact, and in whose house do you think he stayed?" Harry's eyes went large and Robards pressed forward. "A healer named Sonali Palekar. We don't have any concrete evidence but the dates of his stay coincide with Madhavi's birthdate so-"
"Madhavi is the daughter of a Death Eater," Harry breathed. "Why didn't this show up in the original search?"
"Well, we only know anything because of the letters between Rabastan and Rodolphus so it's not something connected with Madhavi's file." Harry nodded. Well, at least he knew and Albus was safe. Just as the thought entered his head, Ginny's Patronus galloped into the room.
"Harry! Albus is gone. Come home quickly!" The blood drained from Harry's face.
"I'm going home to see what's what but I want a squad fully mobilized by the time I get back," Harry ordered, his voice shaking. Robards' looked grave but said nothing, only nodding. Harry spun on the spot and reappeared in Grimmauld Place. Ginny was being fore-fed tea by Hermione while Ron was pacing the room. James was standing stock-still, not knowing quite what to do. Ginny looked up as Harry entered the kitchen and flung herself on him. She had a piece of parchment clutched in her hand. "What is that?" he asked quickly. Ginny handed it to him, biting her lip.
"I swear, if he's just gone for a romp I will tear him limb from limb," she said shakily. "He didn't tell anyone that he was leaving and we checked at the Leaky Cauldron and he's not there. Hannah did see-"
"Oh no," Harry murmured, sinking into a nearby chair. The letter was the one Madhavi had sent only a few hours before.
"What?" Ron asked.
"We've just discovered a possible link between Madhavi and Rabastan Lestrange. We think he might be her father," Harry replied, running a hand weakly over his face. Ginny let out a strangled cry and James visibly paled.
"Is there anything you want us to do Harry?" Hermione asked, retaining her composure though her face had gone a few shades paler.
"I'll need all the information you can find on Rabastan Lestrange, anything you can pull up and Ron, I know you're no longer an-"
"Don't worry mate, I'm right behind you," Ron finished. Harry nodded curtly.
"What about me?" James asked, stepping forward with grim determination.
"You keep your mother-"
"I'm going with you," Ginny put in quickly.
"Ginny, I'm only taking along trained aurors. This is a highly volatile situation and-"
"He's my son too," she stated quietly, studying her hands.
"I know Gin, I know but I can't be worrying about you or James while I'm worried about Al, I just can't."
"So it's fair that I have to worry about the two of you?" Ginny asked, her face flushing with anger.
"This is my job Ginny! Listen, Al will probably be in a bad way so I need you to make sure that St. Mungo's is ready for us. I will stay in constant contact."
"I can't believe you are leaving me behind again!"
"I don't have time for this Ginny, every second, every second we wait is another minute Lestrange could be torturing, and, and killing our son. Hermione's not going."
"Fine!" Ginny huffed. Though Harry knew with absolute certainty that it was not fine, he took this as a cue for him to leave. He and Ron apparated to the auror department where there was a rush of activity. A squad of Harry's best aurors, including Teddy Lupin, was clicking on various instruments. Harry and Ron jogged over to them. Robards looked up.
"Albus got a letter from Madhavi this morning," Harry began.
"Merlin," Robards breathed.
"They were seen at the Leaky Cauldron," Ron added.
"I think they went back to Mumbai. Every second counts here. Do we have Madhavi's address; it seems like just as good a place as any to start looking." Robards nodded. "Good, we'll pull out in five minutes." Teddy tossed Ron and Harry a pack including a protective cloak, a surveillance eye (a patented WWW invention which allowed all those wearing one to look through the others' eyes.) and a spare wand.
In five minutes, they all had the location and were geared up to leave. "Good luck and stick together until told otherwise," Robards said, Harry having momentarily lost his voice.
When Albus awoke, he was bound and on his back on a cold, cement floor. He looked around but it was dark; everything was dark. He was still naked and shivering. What the hell was going on? He tried to move but he had been put in a full body bind. He didn't have his wand and he didn't know where he was. In short, he was screwed. He strained his ears for some sound of movement. He could hear a vague, indistinct bustle from overhead but nothing to give him even a clue as to where he was.
As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he saw that he was in a small basement room. A water heater stood against the opposite wall and a door to his left. He felt weak and cold and scared. He had not told anyone where he was going though he was sure his father would find out soon. But how would he guess where he was, even if he could find Madhavi? Madhavi! A jolt of panic went through him. If this was where he was, where was she? What had they done to her? He tried with all of his might to throw off the body-bind but to no avail.
The auror squad assembled silently outside of Madhavi's flat, all but Harry out of sight. Harry wrapped on the door sharply, his wand at the ready. Madhavi answered the door, dressed in a pair of jeans and a tank top. "May I help you Mr. Potter?" she asked coolly.
"Where is Albus?" Harry asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"He's not here," she answered simply.
"Do you know where he is? The proprietor of the Leaky Cauldron saw the two of you apparate together."
"Yes, I know where he is but you're not going to be able to take your little aurors with you. They want only you."
"What have you done with my son?" Harry asked through gritted teeth. All of his fears were confirmed and he felt corrosive loathing bubble up inside of him for the snake of a woman standing before him.
"If you want to see your son, you will grab hold of this right now," she ordered in a low voice, lifting up a small jewelry box. Harry's instincts kicked in and he grabbed hold. Immediately, they were spinning wildly through space, going Merlin knows where. All Harry could think about was Albus' safety and getting him home. They finally stopped in a small, cramped living room. Harry could hear voices coming from the opposite room. He looked around slowly, wondering where they could be hiding Al. Madhavi spoke in a loud clear voice, causing Harry to jump. "I've got him; he's here! He's alone." A group of three men stepped into the room. Harry recognized Rabastan immediately. The other two were easily identifiable from their trial pictures: Thorfinn Rowle and Lawrence Jugson.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't all-mighty Potter. What a pleasure to see you again," Rabastan hissed. Harry's eyes narrowed, holding his wand at the ready. He had once fought five men at once. Three, one being as stupid as Jugson, would pose no problem. What he needed was to know Albus was alright.
"Lestrange, you're looking well. I see Azkaban has taken years of your life."
"I would not be so cocky if I were you. We have your son and I would just hate to kill him."
"What do you want Lestrange and be quick," Harry ordered. He had myriad curses running through his mind.
"I would have thought that would have been obvious. I want your life Potter-your life in exchange for your son's," he spat, glaring at Harry challengingly. Harry had thought as much.
"If I am to lay my life down for my son, I need to make sure he's still alive," Harry stated evenly.
"Give Madhavi your wand and we'll take you down," Rowle growled. Harry raised his eyebrows but handed it over. He glanced out the window and saw a street sign. They were on BJ Rd.; he could see the shore. Rabastan went first, followed by Jugson. Rowle poked Harry in his back, forcing him down the stairs. It took only seconds before they got to the bottom. Rabastan flicked his wand at the door and it flew open. He flipped on a light and Harry scanned the room for Al. He was on the floor, his eyes wide with fear. He was in a full body bind; that was obvious. Luckily, from what Harry could see, he had not been harmed.
"He looks so like you," Jugson cackled, giving Al a swift kick in the stomach. Harry struggled to keep his composure. He could not show weakness; he could not give them the upper hand.
"Heartless Potter," Rabastan pointed out. "Do you not care about your son?"
"How do we expedite this quickly Lestrange?" Harry asked evenly, sending Al what he hoped would be a reassuring glance.
"A simple business transaction Potter? Is that what your son is to you? Maybe this will bring up something in you." Rabastan pointed his wand at Al whose eyes had gone even bigger. "Crucio!" The curse lifted the body bind and Al began writhing, screaming out in pain.
"No!" Harry exclaimed, jumping forward. "Stop! If you want me then take me. I just want Albus out of here."
"Not so heartless after all now are we? And to think, I was beginning to have a bit of respect in you. So sentimental, naming him after your old friend, that muggle loving fool! Well, I am beginning to have a change of heart." Rabastan's voice was silky and caused a jolt of cold fear to run through Harry. He lifted his wand and Albus doubled over, sobbing. He looked so helpless, almost childlike and all Harry wanted was to protect him. Harry looked up with white hot furry.
"Don't test me Lestrange."
"Oh, this is rich!" Rowle growled. "We have the upper hand Potter."
"Yes, maybe we should give your son the choice. He seemed so eager to get away from you. Maybe he can off you for us."
"Never!" Albus cried, attempting to stand.
"We'll see if you stay so brave. Madhavi, bring me the potion." Madhavi nodded. Harry was pleased that she looked a bit paler. She came back a moment later with a steaming goblet of sky-blue liquid. "It's the Parvulus Draught. You know it don't you young Potter? Now, you have two choices. You can drink the potion and your father may live or you can watch as he slowly dies before you. Which do you pick?" Albus had gone white as a sheet and though Harry didn't not know what the Parvulus Draught was, it was obvious from Albus' expression that it was nothing good.
"Don't Al, don't," Harry began, stepping forward.
"One more step and he won't be alive to make the decision," Rabastan shrieked manically.
"Give it to me," Albus choked out. His eyes had filled with tears but he reached out a trembling hand.
"How wonderfully loving you are," Rowle scoffed. Madhavi handed him the goblet. He looked at her with such a look of betrayal and sadness that Harry's heart nearly broke.
"I loved you," he whispered, not looking at her. For a moment, Harry thought she would pull the potion away but she handed it to him before walking straight up the stairs, not looking back. "Tell Mum, James, Lily and Rosie that I love them," he addressed Harry softly. "I love you Dad, I'm so sorry." Without any more hesitation, he downed the goblet. His eyes glazed over and he slumped to the ground, the goblet tumbling from his hand. Harry jumped forward, his hands shaking.
"And to think, we are going to kill you anyway." Lestrange, drew his wand but Harry was too quick for him. He pulled out the wand he had hidden up his sleeve and began shooting out curse after curse. Within a matter of seconds, only Rabastan remained standing. Just as they began circling each other, Madhavi cried from upstairs and a slurry of voices could be heard.
"You've been found," Harry growled but before he could shoot a final curse, Lestrange had disapparated. Harry slumped to the ground. Albus was dead; he had failed. The group of Aurors, headed up by Ron and Teddy came bulleting down the stairs.
"What happened?" Ron asked but Harry couldn't speak. Teddy rushed to Albus' side and ran his wand over his body.
"Harry, Al is alive, he's not dead!" A wave of relief swept over Harry and he got up, crossing over to his son and godson. "We've got to get him to St. Mungo's though and quickly." Harry nodded.
"Ron, Teddy, you come with me. The rest of you, round up the three here. Rabastan Lestrange apparated a second ago. I want him found and when he is, he is mine." Robards nodded mutely. Harry Potter seldom lost his cool but Rabastan Lestrange would pay, he would make sure of that.
A/N: Okay, this chapter gave me some trouble. The thing you need to keep in mind is that though the struggle seemed a bit easy, what is to come will be harder to deal with. I will leave you with this final tidbit; Albus has just willingly succumbed to his worst nightmare . . .